Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Holy Umbrella: Dondera no Mubō!! delivers a refreshing blend of platform action and light RPG exploration. As the schoolboy hero, you’ll switch seamlessly between three characters—your umbrella-wielding self, the nimble bird Bonto, and later the agile girl Saki. Each character brings unique traversal skills: glide with the enchanted umbrella, double-jump to secret ledges, or wall-jump to hidden alcoves, adding layers of strategy to every level.

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The game balances free-roaming town visits with tight, purpose-built platform stages. In the capital and surrounding villages, you navigate in a top-down view, enter homes, gather rumors, buy items, and chat with NPCs—an unexpected but welcome RPG touch. Then, when you step into the storm-swept ruins or armored-tank battlefields, the action shifts to side-scrolling precision, complete with collectible elemental stones and power-up equipment.

Combat is fast-paced yet approachable. You’ll use the umbrella both defensively—parachuting past projectiles—and offensively, slashing foes or launching elemental attacks. Resource management comes into play when choosing which stones to equip and when to swap characters on the fly, offering satisfying depth for completionists and casual players alike.

Graphics

The art style in Holy Umbrella evokes classic 16-bit charm with richly detailed 2D sprites and carefully designed parallax backgrounds. Modern-day Japan is depicted with subtle nods to everyday life—school buses, sidewalk cafes, fluorescent signage—before giving way to the parallel world’s vivid castles, thunderous skies, and twisted machinery.

Character animations are fluid and expressive. The hero’s umbrella glides, Bonto’s exuberant flaps, and Saki’s nimble acrobatics each feel distinct. Enemies range from lumbering tanks to bizarre creatures crafted by Dondera, each animated with surprising personality—whether they trudge immovably or lunge with snapping claws.

Special effects shine brightest during elemental attacks: swirling fire stones cast flickering embers, icy shards sparkle in midair, and thunder stones crackle with electric arcs. Minor graphical hiccups appear when too many effects collide, but they’re rare and never detract from the game’s overall visual appeal.

Story

At its heart, Holy Umbrella spins a simple yet enthralling tale. A regular schoolboy’s day goes awry when a torrential downpour reveals a fallen umbrella with otherworldly power. In one touch, he’s hurled into a realm teetering on the brink of chaos, where an enigmatic old man and his talking bird ally rescue him from a monstrous tank assault.

The narrative unfolds through lively town dialogues and brief but impactful cutscenes. Emperor audiences reveal Dondera’s purported tyranny, but hints of deeper motives and moral ambiguity keep you questioning who truly holds the greater threat. Encounters with townsfolk, each with their own concerns, lend emotional weight and occasional humor.

Introducing Saki midway injects fresh perspective, and interactions between the trio deepen the storyline. Friendship, courage, and the discovery of unexpected allies become as vital as the umbrella itself. The plot’s pacing strikes a pleasant balance between guided events and open-ended investigation, ensuring players stay invested without feeling rushed.

Overall Experience

Holy Umbrella: Dondera no Mubō!! stands out by merging two beloved genres into a cohesive, entertaining package. Exploration in towns offers a breather from demanding platform challenges, while character-switching mechanics keep gameplay varied. You’ll find yourself returning to earlier levels with new abilities, uncovering hidden areas and secret loot.

The game’s lighthearted tone, buoyed by charming NPC interactions and a whimsical soundtrack, complements its modest difficulty curve. Veteran platformers can aim for perfect runs, while newcomers will appreciate generous checkpoints and intuitive controls. Occasional backtracking can feel lengthy, but fast-travel points and character abilities mitigate potential tedium.

For fans of retro-inspired action with a sprinkle of RPG depth, Holy Umbrella offers a memorable journey. Its endearing story, colorful visuals, and inventive mechanics make it a worthwhile addition to any adventure seeker’s library. Prepare to open the skies—and face the storm.

Retro Replay Score

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